Homeowner praised for security

Posted on 28 September 2008

Homeowners are being warned to use their door chain when answering callers to the house, after one man thwarted the attempts of a bogus water board worker.

A Ledbury resident stopped someone claiming to want to check the valve under his sink from entering the abode, with the police saying he followed everything on the Knock Knock campaign's advice list, according to the Ledbury Reporter.

The scheme aims to give awareness to residents about safety when dealing with unknown callers, advising tactics like asking for official identification and using a door chain.

Detective Inspector Jonathan Roberts told the newspaper: "The occupier of the house is to be praised for his presence of mind."

He stated by following the campaign's advice the resident prevented a theft from his home.

After the resident turned the caller away he contacted the police, who confirmed the worker was bogus.

The Bracknell Forest Standard recently reported older people in the Sunningdale area should be on their guard after builder falsely tried to enter a pensioner's home.

The residents have been warned to use door chains to prevent these incidents occurring.